Liam Williams could cause selection headache for Wales by joining Saracens

By Michael Kelleher

Tuesday 22 November 2016 17:08, UK

Scarlets back Liam Williams could cause a selection headache for Wales next season if he decides to join Saracens.

The 25-year-old has signed a two-year deal with the European champions after turning down an offer from the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), according to Wales Online. Neither Saracens nor Williams have confirmed a deal.

Wales skills coach Neil Jenkins admitted on Tuesday that Williams' departure would be a blow if he does choose to move to the Aviva Premiership.

"We've said we want to keep our best players in Wales and Liam is one of those," said Jenkins. "We'd love to keep him in Wales but at the end of the day Liam's decision is his own.

"But I'm sure we'll fight in every way possible to keep our best players and Liam is one of them."

The WRU's senior selection policy limits the number of players based outside Wales to three, if they have turned down a contract offer from the WRU.

The policy is aimed at ensuring players remain in Wales to play their domestic rugby.

The three players selected for this month's autumn Internationals are Northampton winger George North, Harlequins centre Jamie Roberts and Bath number eight Taulupe Faletau.

The number of 'wildcard' selections will increase to four next season but the issue could be further complicated if full-back Leigh Halfpenny opts against returning to Wales when his current contract with Toulon runs out at the end of this season.

If Halfpenny decides to stay in France or sign for another club outside of Wales, he will factor into the mix for the 'wildcard' selections next season.

Jenkins said: "We have said from day one that we want our best players playing in Wales. Leigh comes into that category, and so does Liam.

"We would love Leigh back, and we would love to keep Liam, there is no doubting that.

"If Leigh stays (in Toulon), if Liam goes, it does become an issue, obviously, but at some point in time it is an opportunity for other players as well."

The signing of Williams, one of Welsh rugby's brightest young stars, would be a significant coup for Saracens.

They are set to lose 29-year-old former England winger Chris Ashton to Toulon at the end of the season and Williams is a ready-made replacement.

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